> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3379864-director-ii-sweetener-research-development-and-applicationis](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3379864-director-ii-sweetener-research-development-and-applicationis). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Director II,Sweetener Research, Development and Applicationis - **Company:** The Coca-Cola Company - **Location:** United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Agile Methodology, Artificial Intelligence, Software Applications, Machine Learning Operations - **Published:** September 7, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/8bb9a3b6-b039-4572-8813-420f428e89fd ## About the Role * Ph.D. in the field ofscience and engineering including but not limited to: Chemistry, Biology,Bio chemistryChemical Engineering, Bio-chemical engineering, Physics,etc. * Minimum 15 years of experience in industry, minimum 10 years of leading deep technical experts.Preferred experience in food & beverage, ingredient suppliers,or pharmaceutical industry. Demonstrated ability toset and drive research agenda, develop research strategies,andbuild successful R&D pipelines,take innovations from scientificconceptsto commercialreadiness. * Proventrack recordinprivate / public collaboration,cross-functional, multi-market collaboration with tight timelines. * Experience influencing senior leadership and shaping organizational strategies. * Experiencein engaging and influenceglobal leading experts (such as Member of National Science Academy, well recognized industry experts etc.) * Demonstrable leadership skills, with a proventrack recordof leading cross-functional teams and platforms, especially without direct management authority. * Deep understanding of system economics, value chains, risk management, and mitigation, coupled with an agile and iterative mindset. * Proficient in project management principles, with the ability to apply these principles to plan, manage, or execute projects ensuring completion within set timelines and budgets. * Strong communicationskills and the capacity to influence and align with senior-level stakeholders internally within Coca-Cola and externally across the system. * Knowledgeableof latest AI/ML and molecular discovery technologies and tools. Technical Competencies * Deepexpertisein one of the scientific fields such as chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and materialscience. * Deep understanding ofmolecular discovery, ingredient research and development, sensory optimization, and technological integration. * Knowledge ofa regulatoryframework for ingredient approval and use globally. * Industry network and external collaboration experience. ## Description You will lead a high-performingtalentedteam of scientists to: * Developend to end sweetener discovery,validationand development strategy * Identifyand collaborate with world leading expertsto advance the sweetener system research * Identityandupdatesthe skills and competencies of the team and collaborators toleveragethe latest external technologies and digital tools forthe researchand development. * Buildfoundationscience and knowledgein sweet taste area * Developa robust sweetener systempipeline that will enable solutions to address consumer,marketand regulatory demands * Translate research into breakthrough, consumer-centric applications * Provide thought leadership to the industry, academia and research institutes on sweetness, and sweetenersystem. * Provide The Center of Excellence on sweetener system application. You will collaborate globally across Technical Innovation & Supply Chain (TISC), Human and Consumer Insights, Global Categories, and regional R&D centers to shape Coca-Cola'ssweetener research strategy, influence industry direction, and forge partnerships with universities, suppliers, and technology leaders. Strategic Leadership & Innovation * Shape the future research agenda on sweetenersystemto meet consumer,customerand regulation needs,drive short-, mid-, and long-term growthand ensure our license towin. * Provide inspirational thought leadership to guidesweetener systemresearch and application strategy globally. * Influence industry,academiaand research institutes to develop relevant technologies and tools (including AI/ML tools) to furtherthescientificadvances. Global Collaboration & Stakeholder Influence * Partner with internal stakeholders across RTE, R&D, technical functions (including Scientific & Regulatory Affairs), marketing, and category leadership to align strategy and executionon sweetenersystemapplication. * Influence externalstakeholders-including suppliers, universities, and technology partnersfor joint-development. * Build compelling business cases to secure investment and organizational buy-in. People Leadership * Directly lead and develop an organization of approximately nine (9) people, including six (6) direct reports, with full accountability for performance management, capability building, succession planning, and engagement * Build and sustain ahigh performingglobal community of sweetener discovery, research, and application experts * Allocate resources strategically, manage budgets, and set clear performance expectations. * Foster a high-impact culture focused on innovation, agility, and continuous learning. * Serve as a mentor, role model, and advocate for talent development. Operational& ExecutionExcellence * Implement structured processes for early-stage experimentationthroughcommercial delivery. * Maintain clear routines to track milestones, budgets, and success metrics. * Communicate progress and achievements to seniorleadershipacross the organization. Leadership Profile * Strategic Thinker: Capable of envisioning future possibilities and integrating science, consumer insights, and business priorities. * Influence & Business Acumen: Ability to shape and implement strategic agendas across the Coca-Cola system, while influencing industry standards. * Agile Innovator: Comfortable taking calculated risks and pivoting based on market and science-led opportunities. * Inspiring People Leader: Proven ability to lead, build, and motivate global teams. * Connector: Strong ability to bring stakeholders together across functions, geographies, and disciplines. ## Related Videos - [Geometric deep learning for drug discovery](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/264-geometric-deep-learning-for-drug-discovery) - [ShapeShift: Reinventing Agile for a B2B SaaS Scale-Up](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1655-shapeshift-reinventing-agile-for-a-b2b-saas-scale-up) - [Securing your application software supply-chain](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/468-securing-your-application-software-supply-chain) - [Edit Your Future: Queerverse Radical AI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/909-edit-your-future-queerverse-radical-ai) - [Hiring AI Native Talents](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100268-hiring-ai-native-talents) - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1209-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou) ## Related Articles - [What Industries Outside of AI Are Hiring The Most AI Experts?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/98-what-industries-outside-of-ai-are-hiring-the-most-ai-experts) - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou - Making AI understandable for all in production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/475-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou-making-ai-understandable-for-all-in-production) - [MLOps – What’s the deal behind it?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/125-mlops-what-s-the-deal-behind-it) - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [How to Write a CV and Interview if You Don't Fully Qualify For The Job](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/183-how-to-write-a-cv-and-interview-if-you-don-t-fully-qualify-for-the-job) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers)